In a weather alert update independent weather forecasters www.firstmalta.com are stating that Malta is being hit marginally by the cyclone dubbed “Zissi” by the Italian Media.  The islands are experiencing powerful Scirocco winds originating over Northern Africa.

Atmospheric Pressure this morning in Valletta hit a low of 990hPa at around 6am and is now expected to start returning to normal levels of 1014hPa by tonight at 9pm.

A prevalent South Eastern wind is hitting Malta.  Wind speeds are currently at  Force 5 / 6 but will at times reach Force 7/8 in the afternoon.  This type of wind is usually referred to as Scirocco Winds and originates over Northern Africa, bringing with it lots of dust with it.  The temperature will be reaching 20C but will actually feel hotter due to the Southern wind and will feel like 22C at times.

The Scirocco winds currently hitting Malta are now expected to subside during the night and Monday 29th should see the weather situation return back to normal.

Tomorrow Monday 29th winds are expected to veer West South West Force 4 (Moderate Breeze), maximum temperature is expected to reach 17C and the skies will be mainly sunny and become partly cloudy later.

Last night was a nightmare for most of central and northern Italy, especially the West Coast, with torrential rain and precipitations of over 1 metre of rain, such downpours are unheard of in Malta and would have wrecked havoc over the Maltese Islands if this cyclone hit us instead.  Flooding reports in Central Italy and emergency calls are pouring in, the Italian Civil protection department is on maximum alert and most areas invoked the national emergency mechanisms in place for such events.